The Intelligencer December 15, 1915 (page 3)

“Notice! On Friday, December 17th a Public Meeting for those interested, will be held in the Lecture Room of the Armouries, at 8 o’clock sharp, for the purpose of organizing a Company of the Reserve Militia in connection with the 15th Regiment A.L.I. The Company will be officered by a Major, a Captain and Four Subalterns.

All citizens interested in this branch of the Militia are requested to attend, details of which will be explained at the meeting. To assist the Officer Commanding, in making a selection of the officers, a vote will be taken.”

The Intelligencer December 14, 1915 (page 1)

“Christmas Dinners for the Soldier Boys. To have no Christmas dinner is about the most unfortunate experience that one could have and to be away from home at Christmas is almost as unpleasant. The latter is to be the case with about two hundred of the soldiers located here, but the former will not be if it is within the power of the citizens to avoid it. To this end a committee of ladies representing the various churches is to meet at the Y.M.C.A. on Thursday at 10.00 A.M. to arrange for a Christmas supper for the men in the Barracks on Christmas Day.

The scheme is being promoted jointly by the ladies of the Khaki Club, who have done so much for the soldiers, and the Military Y.M.C.A. which is bending every effort to help the men here and at the other points as well. As these two organizations have been closely in touch with the men since they came they are in a position to know just what is required on such an occasion and how best to go about it.

To provide supper for two hundred men on Christmas Day is a large order, but with the ready assistance of everyone it will be a burden on none. Here is the menu, 50 pies, 20 cakes, 15 puddings, 15 dozen oranges, 50 lbs. of nuts, 50 lbs. of raisins and 250 lbs. of turkey. Definite plans in regard to securing these items will be available before the end of the week. In the meantime enquiries or offers of assistance may be addressed to Miss Faulkiner of the Khaki Club, or Mr. Sharpe of the Militia Y.M.C.A.

Up to date nothing official has been received by the headquarters of the 80th Battalion here in regard to extras for the men at Christmas, which would be provided by the Government. This will assure us that there will be no danger of overlapping or double providing.”

The Intelligencer December 14, 1915 (page 3)

“Hospital Supplies. Since the last report the Quinte Chapter, I.O.D.E., has shipped the following hospital supplies and field comforts from the workroom, 62 Bridge St. W., Miss M.B. Falkiner, Convenor. Hospital bedpads, 151; mouthwipes, 3,500; bandages, 1,700; old linen squares doubled and sewn, 500; surgical sponges, 444; absorbent swabs, 2,126 …  pipes, 32; Tobacco, 50 pkgs.; gum, 45 pkgs.; chocolate bars, 60; oxo, 32 tins; postcards, 192; cigarettes, 11,250; jam, 100 jars. …

A donation of $78.00 from the Belleville Philharmonic Society, the proceeds of last season’s concert, was greatly appreciated by the Chapter.

In addition to the work of hospital supplies and field comforts the Quinte Chapter is sending a sum of money each month, private subscriptions of members and others, to the Red Cross Society for the purpose of supplying Canadian prisoners in Germany, not otherwise cared for, with hampers of food and comforts sent fortnightly. Two dollars a month is sufficient for one prisoner. Returned prisoners say that without this food the suffering would be very great.”

The Intelligencer December 13, 1915 (page 7)

“Nov. 23, 1915. Dear Father, Mother and all—Just a line in answer to your most welcome letter. …  I am getting around all right again. My cough sticks to me pretty hard, but will soon go away. …  I have stayed in the hut pretty much.

Don’t you believe that I can come home when I like. If they think you should go home they will send you. They don’t wait for one to say that he wants to go. I may go to the front again before I go home, and I may not, but I do not want to go home yet, as I came with the first and I want to stay as long as the war lasts. When it is over they won’t be able to get me home quick enough, for I would like to see you all again.

It will soon be Christmas, and I am as far away from home as I was last Christmas, but I will have to make the best of it. I think if I live until Christmas I may take a trip to Ireland, but I am not sure; it depends on how long they give me. …  I think I have said all I can think of for now, so good-bye. Answer soon. I remain, Your loving son, TOM.”

The Intelligencer December 13, 1915 (page 7)

“Material Reduction in the Rates of Postage to Soldiers at the Front. The Honourable T. Chase Casgrain, Postmaster General of Canada, has been successful, as a result of negotiations entered into with the Imperial Postal Authorities, in effecting an arrangement with the British Government whereby parcels from Canada for Canadian soldiers in France and Flanders will be carried at the same rate of postage as applies to parcels from the United Kingdom for the Expeditionary Forces on the Continent. …

This means a material reduction on the cost of parcels, and it is hoped it will be a source of satisfaction to the Canadian public. This reduction has been brought about by Canada foregoing all postal charges for the conveyance of these parcels in Canada and on the Atlantic.”

The Intelligencer December 11, 1915 (page 2)

“Poor Children’s Xmas Tree. Editor Intelligencer. Dear Sir:—The XV. Band are giving the poor children of Belleville a Xmas Tree, and are desirous of obtaining a complete list. Any information your readers can give, stating name, age and address of children who do not expect a visit from Santa Claus, will be thankfully received. CHAS. HANNA, Mgr. XV. Band, 102 E. Moira St.”

The Intelligencer December 9, 1915 (page 1)

“List of Officers for New Regt. Announced. The counties of Hastings and Prince Edward have already recruited enough men to form a battalion, but there are plenty of young men left in these two counties to form two or three more battalions if required. Lt.-Col. Adams and his officers are much pleased at the encouragement they are receiving and are confident that the 155th Bay of Quinte Battalion will be up to full strength long before spring. It is expected that many former residents of these counties will return and enlist with their old friends. The men will be billeted as far as possible in their own home towns. Kingston Whig. Dec. 8th.”

The Intelligencer December 9, 1915 (page 7)

“Billets For Recruits. Any person who can accommodate soldiers for the winter will leave name and address with Capt. Bleecker, recruiting officer for the 155th Battalion, at the Armouries. Rate 60 cents per day.”

The Intelligencer December 7, 1915 (page 7)

“Patriotic Meeting Held at Sidney. Wallbridge, the home of the Commanding Officer of the 80th Battalion C.E.F., gathered together last night ‘her beauty and her chivalry,’ and it was a night of rare enjoyment. The orchestra of the 80th rendered splendid music. Lieut. A.D. Harper and Sergeant Lafonde sang stirring solos.

F.E. O’Flynn occupied the chair most acceptably. Addresses which combined humour and pathos, comedy and tragedy, loyalty and determination were delivered by Captain Ketterson (Chaplain) Sergeant Sandford, C.E.F., Lieut. Nicoll, Colonel W.N. Ponton, K.C., and Lieut. Col. Ketcheson. Rev. Capt. Ketterson appealed to the sons of the sires to maintain the freedom and liberty won by years of struggle and now to be fought for again in this great conflict. …

Colonel Ponton urged subscriptions to the Red Cross, who turned everything into gold and life—and solemnly appealed to Canada to mobilize her manhood to keep our hearths and homes from future jeopardy.—’East, West, hame’s best.’ The flag is only good as the emblem of service. It is living men and trained men who count in this crisis.”

The Intelligencer December 6, 1915 (page 2)

“Sunday Recruiting Concert and Meeting. The recruiting meeting and concert given in Griffin’s Theatre Sunday evening under the auspices of the Alpha Club of the Tabernacle church attracted a very large audience which enjoyed every moment of the evening’s programme. A silver collection, which netted $50 was taken at the door. Half of it was turned over to the Alpha Club to be given to the Fund for poor children at Christmas while the balance is to be placed in the Battalion Fund of the 80th Battalion. The response was very pleasing and shows distinctly the support the citizens are giving not only for charitable but also patriotic work, the latter in the form of support to the 80th Battalion.

The speaker for the evening was the Rev. Ketterson, chaplain 80th ‘Overseas’ Battalion who made a most stirring appeal for men in this hour of the Empire’s struggle for the maintenance of democracy and world freedom.

Several selections were given by the 80th orchestra, under the direction of Armourer Sergeant Howarth, which were keenly appreciated, the musicians displaying extraordinary talent and evidence of careful thought in training.’Why Can’t A Girl be a Soldier’ sung by Sgt. Lafond and a chorus of fourteen soldiers, proved a big hit. Other numbers given by Sgt. Lafond and the chorus were also repeatedly encored. …

One of the best efforts of the evening was the ‘Soldier Chorus’ from Faust which a chorus of soldiers gave in stirring style, bringing forth all the pomp and beautiful wealth of harmony of Gounod’s masterpiece.”

The Intelligencer December 4, 1915 (page 1)

“Original Vaudeville by 80th Battalion. That the 80th Battalion is a body of men of varied talents, was demonstrated last night at Griffin’s Opera House, when officers and men gave an ‘Original Vaudeville.’ Owing to the rough weather there was not such a large audience as the excellence of the entertainment deserved. It well deserved the appellation of ‘original.’

Several pleasing choruses were rendered by the soldiers, some of whom have good voices. The most interesting one was the National Chorus, in which British, French and Russian platoons sang the National Anthem and songs of their respective countries in their own language. Private Burlette, a Frenchman, gave a sensational performance on the tight wire, walking from the stage to the gallery and back, his daring feat being watched with thrilling interest. …

During the evening the 80th Overseas band played some excellent selections, adding considerably to the pleasure of the audience, and during the interval two capital reels of comedy films were shown. A matinee is to be given to-day and another performance this evening.”

The Intelligencer December 4, 1915 (page 3)

“Liberal Grant to 80th Battalion. At the County Council proceedings yesterday afternoon, the request of Lieut.-Col. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 80th Battalion for a grant for regimental purposes was considered at some length. …

Mr. Vermilyea, after reading from a circular in reference to the Government statement that everything for the soldiers was being provided, moved that no action be taken in the matter. Warden Ketcheson said he was placed in a rather peculiar situation, owing to the fact that Lieut.-Col. Ketcheson was his brother. However, he would have no hesitation of making a grant. Incidental expenses were incurred which were not provided for by the Militia Department. …

Mr. Tummon said that the Council had given $1,000 to the 39th Battalion, and now we are asked to give to the 80th Battalion, and possibly to the other battalion which will be raised in this and Prince Edward County. He moved that a grant of $1,000 be made to the 80th Battalion at this session. Mr. Clare seconded the motion. The motion to grant $1,000 to the 80th Battalion was unanimously adopted.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 1)

“Tearing Down a Doctor’s Sign. Magistrate Masson, this morning in Belleville Police Court, fined each of the British enthusiasts who were charged with destroying Dr. Kimmel’s sign-board, five dollars to cover the expenses of the court, and to provide a new sign. Total, $13. The defendants pleaded that they saw what they took to be an Iron Cross plainly printed on this board; this coupled with the fact that the doctor’s name sounds German, proved too great a shock for the patriotic young men, one of whom at least has volunteered for overseas service.

Dr. Kimmel stated that the cross, instead of being the symbol of Teutonic bravery, was a Maltese cross, and in fact, was not placed there at his directions at all, but just put on as a decoration by the painter, Mr. McKenna.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 1)

“Fire Breaks Out at Military Quarters. At a few minutes before 6 o’clock last evening fire broke out in what is known as the officers quarters at Belleville, being part of the old Armouries and situated on Church street. Of late the building had been used as a hospital for the 39th Battalion also for the 80th Battalion. Apartments in the building were also utilized by the 34th Battery, and as headquarters of the 49th Hastings Regiment.

The fire originated in the basement, supposedly from the furnace and before it was extinguished considerable damage was sustained to the interior of the building. At the outbreak of the fire there were seven members of the 80th Battalion in the building, who were on the sick list, but not seriously ill. They were taken into quarters in the new Armouries.

Stored in the building were 19,000 rounds of ammunition, which was removed as quickly as possible to a place of safety by members of the 80th Battalion, who rendered valuable services in various ways. …

The fire brigade, under the superintendency of Chief Brown worked vigorously and succeeded in subduing the flames after a rather stubborn fight, and despite the fact that at times the smoke was suffocating. The flames were confined to the basement and ground floor. The damage done will amount to several hundred dollars. The building, being the property of the Dominion Government, was not insured.”

The Intelligencer December 3, 1915 (page 3)

“Patriotic Tea. One of the most successful teas of the season was held at the Quinte tea room by the Women’s Rifle Club on the afternoon of the 2nd of December. The colors of the Club, toy rifles and cannons and numerous candelabra formed very effective decorations.

Miss Higgs, Mr. Wheatley, Miss McDonnell and Miss Walton contributed four numbers to the programme and the orchestra of the 80th played the remainder of the afternoon. The sum of $103.00 was realized which will be added to the Khaki Club fund.”

The Intelligencer December 2, 1915 (page 2)

“County Patriotic Fund Discussed. At the County Council session yesterday afternoon considerable information was elicited in reference to the disposition of the Patriotic Fund in Hastings County. Mr. Vermilyea stated that he personally visited all homes in Thurlow Township where husbands or sons had enlisted, and the township had made every provision for those left behind.

Mr. Clare stated that in Hungerford Township families of soldiers at the front were being well looked after.

Dr. Harper said that in Madoc village a relief committee had been formed and every case was investigated. This to some extent takes the responsibility off the Reeve. The patriotic fund might possibly in some cases have been abused.

Mr. Moore said that from the township of Elzevir one man who went to the front had been killed and his widow was receiving $20 from the patriotic fund.

Mr. Coulter, Reeve of Stirling, stated that the families of those who had gone to the front were being well looked after. There was a patriotic fund raised in the village which is used judiciously. There were a number of peculiar cases which the county organization had to deal with and some claims were unjust. He instanced one case where a mother made claims for assistance on account of her son being at the front, while her husband was at home and in possession of a good farm.

Mr. Montgomery said the township of Rawdon had an organization and received no aid from the county fund. The township sent $1,900 to the National Patriotic Fund and has drawn only about $500 out of it. We have forty at the front from the township, and only a small proportion are receiving aid. The patriotic fund has no doubt been robbed.

Mr. Rollins, Reeve of Tweed, said that those in Tweed who had husbands or sons at the front were living better today than before the war. All were well provided for.

Warden Ketcheson said the township of Sidney was organized for patriotic purposes and also for the distributing of the patriotic fund. The money is being judiciously handled in the township.”